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Bai Hu Tang (白虎湯), ‘White Tiger Decoction’, powerfully clears blazing heat from the qi level (Lung and Stomach / yang-ming), draining fire and generating fluids.
English Name
White Tiger Decoction
Classical Source
Shang Han Lun, c. 220 CE
Ingredients
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat from the qi level and drains fire (Lung and Stomach)
- Generates fluids and relieves thirst and irritability
Indications
Blazing yang-ming/qi-level heat: the ‘four bigs’ – high fever, profuse sweating, great thirst, and a big (flooding) pulse; with irritability.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: red with a dry yellow coat. Pulse: flooding, big and forceful (or surging and rapid).
Modifications
With qi damage and a weak pulse, add Ren Shen (Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang). With painful, swollen joints from heat, add Gui Zhi.
Cautions & Contraindications
Very cold - contraindicated where there is no genuine, intense heat, and in deficiency-cold with a faint pulse and aversion to cold.